Dental Hygienist Schools & Programs Guide (Costs & Training)

Becoming a Dental Hygienist: Education & Training

Embarking on a dental hygiene career starts with the right education. Here's what you need to know about the training path.

What Education Do You Need? The Associate Degree Path

The standard entry point into the dental hygiene profession is earning an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Dental Hygiene. This is the minimum educational requirement for licensure in all U.S. states.

While some Bachelor's (BSDH) and Master's (MSDH) degrees exist for advanced roles in education, research, or public health, the associate degree prepares you fully for clinical practice.

Accreditation: Why CODA is Essential

Before choosing any program, verify its accreditation status. Graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is mandatory for eligibility to take the required licensing exams (NBDHE and clinical boards) across the United States (CODA).

CODA accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous national standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, and patient care experiences. Attending a non-accredited program will prevent you from becoming licensed. You can verify program accreditation through CODA's website or the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA).

Program Prerequisites: Preparing for Admission

Admission into dental hygiene programs is often competitive. While requirements vary slightly by school, common prerequisites include:

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.
• Required High School Courses: Typically includes Biology, Chemistry, Math (Algebra), and English with minimum grade requirements (e.g., C or higher).
• College-Level Prerequisite Courses: Most programs require completion of specific college courses before applying to the core dental hygiene program. Common prerequisites include:
  • Anatomy & Physiology (often A&P I and II with labs)
  • Microbiology (with lab)
  • General Chemistry (with lab)
  • English Composition
  • Psychology or Sociology
  • Sometimes Nutrition or Communications
• Minimum GPA: Competitive programs often require a minimum GPA (e.g., 2.75 or higher) specifically in the prerequisite science courses.
• Other Potential Requirements: Some schools may also require entrance exams (like the HESI or TEAS), observation hours in a dental office, a personal interview, an essay, or background checks/drug screenings.

Important Note: Completing prerequisites can take a year or more before you even start the core 2-year dental hygiene program. Factor this into your planning timeline.

How Long Does Dental Hygienist School Take?

The core dental hygiene curriculum typically takes two academic years (or about 4-5 semesters) to complete on a full-time basis, culminating in an associate degree.

However, the total time from starting your educational journey to becoming licensed is often three years or longer, once you factor in the time needed to complete the prerequisite college courses required for admission into the competitive hygiene program.

What You'll Learn: Curriculum Overview

CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs provide a comprehensive mix of classroom learning, laboratory practice, and clinical experience. Key subjects typically include:

• General Science & Health: Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Nutrition.
• Dental Science: Dental Anatomy & Tooth Morphology, Head & Neck Anatomy, Oral Pathology, Periodontology (gum disease), Radiology (X-rays), Dental Materials, Pain Management.
• Clinical Practice & Patient Care: Clinical Dental Hygiene techniques (scaling, polishing, fluoride application, sealants), Patient Assessment, Oral Health Education & Instruction, Infection Control, Medical Emergencies, Community Dental Health, Ethics & Law in Dentistry.
• General Education: Communication, Psychology/Sociology (often completed as prerequisites).

Clinical Experience: Hands-On Training

A significant portion of your training involves hands-on clinical practice, often in an on-campus clinic treating real patients under faculty supervision, or in affiliated community dental settings. This practical experience is crucial for developing technical skills, patient communication abilities ("bedside manner"), and confidence needed for licensure and professional practice.

Understanding Dental Hygienist Program Costs & Financial Aid

Investing in your education requires careful financial planning. Here's a breakdown of the potential costs associated with dental hygiene programs:

Estimated Tuition & Fees

Tuition and mandatory fees vary significantly depending on the type of institution (public vs. private) and your residency status (in-state/in-district vs. out-of-state).

• Average Associate Degree Cost (Tuition & Fees, In-State): The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) reported an average estimated total cost of ~$22,692 based on ADHA data (ADEA).
• Example Range: Total program costs (including estimated additional expenses) can range widely, potentially from $15,000 to over $30,000. Public community colleges generally offer lower tuition rates for residents compared to private career schools. Always check specific school websites for their current cost estimates.

Additional Expenses to Budget For

Beyond tuition and basic fees, several substantial costs are unique to dental hygiene programs:

• Instruments & Kits: This is often the largest additional expense, ranging from $2,500 to $7,200+. These specialized tools are necessary for clinical training.
• Textbooks: Estimated at $1,200 to $1,400 over the program duration.
• Uniforms/Scrubs: Approximately $300 to $500.
• Lab Fees: May be included in course fees or charged separately; can amount to several thousand dollars (e.g., ~$3,244 estimate at one college).
• Licensing & Exam Fees: Budget for these post-graduation costs:
  • National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE): ~$550
  • Clinical Board Exam (State/Regional): ~$1,000 to $1,200
  • State Licensing Application Fee: ~$100 to $210+ (varies by state)
• Other Potential Costs: Background check fees, drug screening, professional liability insurance, CPR certification, potential travel for clinical rotations.

Financial Aid Options

Don't let the costs deter you. Many financial aid options can help make your education affordable:

• Federal Student Aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine eligibility for Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs.
• Scholarships & Grants: Explore scholarships specifically for dental hygiene students, such as those offered by the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA). Also check for state, local, and institutional scholarships.
• School Payment Plans: Many colleges offer payment plans to spread out tuition costs.

Contact the financial aid offices at schools you're interested in for specific guidance.

Licensing: The Path to Becoming an RDH

Graduating from an accredited program is just the first step. To practice legally as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), you must obtain a license from the state(s) where you intend to work.

Dental Hygienist Licensing Requirements

While specific details vary by state, the general pathway to licensure involves these key steps:

1. Graduate from a CODA-Accredited Program: Successfully complete your associate degree (or higher) from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
2. Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE): This comprehensive written exam covers the scientific and clinical knowledge base required for practice.
3. Pass a Regional or State Clinical Board Examination: This hands-on exam assesses your clinical skills in treating patients. Common exam providers include ADEX (administered by CDCA-WREB-CITA) and CRDTS, though state requirements differ.
4. Apply for State Licensure: Submit an application to the dental board in the state where you wish to practice. This typically involves fees, proof of exam passage, transcripts, background checks, and potentially a state-specific jurisprudence (law and ethics) exam.

National & Clinical Exams

• NBDHE: A standardized, multiple-choice exam required nationwide. Passing demonstrates foundational knowledge.
• Clinical Exams: These practical exams evaluate your ability to perform tasks like scaling, root planing, patient assessment, and applying preventive agents safely and effectively. Acceptance of specific clinical exams varies by state.

State-Specific Requirements

Always verify the exact requirements with the dental licensing board of the state(s) where you plan to work. Factors like acceptance of specific clinical exams, jurisprudence exam requirements, and policies regarding background checks can differ. The ADHA provides links to state boards, but checking the official state board website is crucial.

Criminal history, particularly involving felonies or misdemeanors related to moral turpitude or substance abuse, may impact licensure eligibility. State boards typically review applications on a case-by-case basis.

Continuing Education

Licensure is not permanent. Most states require licensed dental hygienists to complete a specific number of continuing education (CE) hours periodically (e.g., annually or biennially) to maintain their license and stay current with advancements in the dental hygiene field. CPR certification must also typically be kept current.

The Dental Hygienist Career: Is It Right for You?

Beyond the technical skills, a successful dental hygiene career requires compassion, attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong communication skills.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

Licensed dental hygienists perform a wide range of preventive and therapeutic oral health services, working collaboratively with dentists. Typical duties include:

• Patient Screening: Recording medical/dental histories, taking vital signs, performing head/neck/oral cancer screenings.
• Clinical Procedures: Removing plaque, calculus (tartar), and stains from teeth (prophylaxis); performing scaling and root planing (for gum disease); applying fluorides and sealants; taking dental X-rays.
• Patient Education: Instructing patients on proper brushing, flossing, nutrition, and overall oral hygiene maintenance.
• Documentation: Maintaining accurate patient records and charting.

(Note: Specific scope of practice varies slightly by state.)

Benefits of Being a Dental Hygienist

This career offers several attractive advantages:

• Strong Job Demand: Excellent job security with projected growth faster than the average for all occupations (BLS, 2023-2033).
• Good Earning Potential: Competitive salaries, especially considering the typical 2-year degree path (see below).
• Flexibility: High potential for part-time work and flexible scheduling, contributing to good work-life balance.
• Job Satisfaction: Making a tangible difference in patients' health and well-being.
• Variety: Options to work in private practices, public health clinics, schools, research, or even on a contract basis in different settings.

Salary Expectations

Dental hygiene offers rewarding compensation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023 data):

• The median annual wage for dental hygienists was $87,530.
• The median hourly wage was $42.08.

(Wages vary based on experience, location, work setting, and full-time/part-time status. See BLS OEWS link in citations for wage range details.)

Job Outlook

The future looks bright for dental hygienists. The BLS projects 9% job growth between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to about 16,400 job openings projected each year, driven by increasing awareness of oral health's link to overall health and an aging population needing more dental care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Hygienist Programs

How much does dental hygienist school cost in total?

Costs vary widely but typically range from $15,000 to over $30,000 for an associate degree program. This includes:

• Tuition & school fees
• Required instruments/kits ($2,500–$7,000+)
• Books & supplies
• Uniforms
• Exam and licensing fees

Community colleges are generally more affordable than private schools, especially for in-state residents. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

How long does it really take to become a licensed dental hygienist?

The core associate degree program usually takes 2 years full-time. However, due to required prerequisite college courses, the total timeline is often 3 years or more. Licensing exams follow graduation.

Can I go to a trade school or get a certificate to be a dental hygienist?

You must earn at least an associate degree from a CODA-accredited program to become a licensed dental hygienist.

While many of these programs are offered at community or technical colleges, a certificate alone is not enough for licensure.

Note: Dental assisting is a separate profession and often requires only a short-term certificate.

What are the main prerequisites for dental hygiene school?

• High school diploma or GED
• High school science and math courses
• College-level courses such as:
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Chemistry
• A competitive GPA, especially in science courses

Is it hard to get into a dental hygiene program?

Yes — admission is often very competitive. Most programs require:

• Strong GPA in science prerequisites
• Overall academic performance
• Entrance exams (varies by school)
• Interviews and/or observation hours

What exams do I need to pass for licensing?

• National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) — written exam
• Clinical Board Exam — practical skills
• Jurisprudence Exam — legal and ethical knowledge (varies by state)

What's the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?

You may also be interested in the following programs:

Citations & Sources

American Dental Education Association (ADEA) – Program Costs & Financing

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Hygienists (Visited April 16, 2025)

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Dental Hygienists (May 2023)

Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)

American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) – scholarships

American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) – State Licensure Requirements Overview

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)